Letter to FDA: Requesting Improved Traceability for Produce

May 24, 2018

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The undersigned consumer and food safety groups write to urge that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) propose, within six months, requirements for comprehensive and rapid traceability of produce, including leafy greens. Specifically, the FDA should implement the longoverdue directive laid out by Congress in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requiring the agency to issue a proposed rule establishing recordkeeping requirements for high-risk foods. This will improve the agency’s ability to quickly trace the source of foods linked to outbreaks of foodborne illness, so it can initiate swift recalls. The FDA should also immediately provide advice and communication to the leafy greens industry on existing requirements and best practices to enhance traceability.